New Jersey approves Nick Diaz for UFC on FOX 3 second's license

NEW YORK CITY – A temporary suspension in Nevada has not prevented Nick Diaz from obtaining a second’s (cornerman’s) license in New Jersey.

Diaz was approved this past week to corner his younger brother, Nate Diaz, in the main event of UFC on FOX 3, which takes place Saturday at IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

“Had [the suspension] been finalized, we may have looked at it differently,” New Jersey State Athletic Control Board legal counsel Nick Lembo today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “But at this point, the matter is under review.”

The Nevada State Athletic Commission issued a temporary suspension to Diaz shortly after he tested positive for marijuana metabolites following a decision loss to Carlos Condit at UFC 143 in February.

Since then, the Diaz camp and Nevada attorney general have gone back and forth on the merits of the suspension while Diaz has readied himself to compete in a grappling match on May 12 in Long Beach, Calif. He recently said he’s retired from the sport of MMA.

This past week, the Diaz camp made its boldest move yet when it sued the NSAC and claimed the fighter was denied due process. A hearing on the suspension and a request from the Diaz’s camp to drop the disciplinary action is set for May 14 in Las Vegas.

Nate Diaz said on Wednesday that his brother would be among those cornering him but that trainer/manager Cesar Gracie would be on standby in the event Nick didn’t make it.

Gracie was unavailable for comment when contacted today by MMAjunkie.com.